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The college filed a worker adjustment and retraining notification, which is required for private businesses with 50 or more full-time employees that are either closing or conducting mass layoffs. The notice lists the reason for closure as "economic." 

Wells leaders announced on April 30 that the college lacked adequate funding to continue and would close after 156 years. Tax filings revealed the college's financial struggles amid declining enrollment. 

According to the WARN notice, the closure will begin May 31 and finish by the end of the year. 

Kelly King, the employment and training director for the Cayuga Works Career Center, told the Cayuga County Legislature's Planning Committee that Wells is taking a phased approach with its layoffs. The first round of layoffs will occur May 31, with more by June 15, June 30 and Aug. 30. There will likely be a few employees who remain with the college until it is closed by the end of the year. 

King said she responded to college on May 2, two days after the closure announcement, to meet with faculty and staff about services provided through the career center. Because the employees will be considered dislocated workers, there is funding available to assist them with retraining and upscaling. 

The employees, she said, were appreciative of the support. 

"It was a sad day," King told lawmakers. "It hit them fast and hard, not just staff but also hearing students walking around campus on breaks... It was a very emotional time for them." 

King has received a list of job titles and occupations from Wells to find opportunities for affected employees. She is also encouraging other employers, such as Auburn Community Hospital and Auburn Correctional Facility, and the county to participate in a job fair at the college.

The event, which is for faculty and staff seeking new employment, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at the Schwartz Athletic Center. 

"We are responding efficiently and fast for whatever they need," King said.